Joan LaVerne Bell

JOAN LAVERNE BELL (TUMBLESON), 68, of Hensley went to be with our Lord and Savior on Friday, May 17, 2013, surrounded by those she loved in her home. She was born in Humnoke, Ark. on April 2, 1945, to Loey and Maudie Tumbleson. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother Dillard Tumbleson, and a grandson Hayden Bell. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Gary Bell; two children, Ginger Bell-Taylor (husband James) of Benton and David Bell (wife Desiree) of Hensley. Surviving grandchildren include two grandsons, Chase Bender (wife Lauren) and Hunter Bell; four grand-daughters, Tabitha Hubbard (husband Luke), Tara Stivers, Tomi Taylor, Kaitlin Bell, and three great-grandchildren, Tyler and Tessa Hubbard and Morgan John. Other survivors include three brothers, Clifford, Martin, and Roger Tumbleson and six sisters, Faye Brown, Noma Brown, Joy Rockwell, Floy Shepherd, Ollie Pruitt, Donna Carter, and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was an active member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Hensley, and a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. She most recently taught the Ladies Class. Her greatest desire was to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren come to know and love the Lord. Joan graduated from Humnoke High School, where she was valedictorian, and retired as the office manager of Bell Construction Company, a family owned business of 29 years. She was known by many for her gardening skills and for her beautiful plants and flowers that were lovingly displayed in her home and yard. Her cooking was extraordinary (especially her carrot and strawberry cakes) and her table was always filled with love. Her life was a testimony of putting God first followed by her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a loving wife of 48 years whose greatest joy was spending time with her husband and this was shown continuously over the years. She emphasized her love for life in everything she did. She was a hard worker and was always putting others first. She had the most beautiful smile, a heart of gold, and was a lady of elegance and grace. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Arkansas Hospice, and especially Cheryl. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday at Fairview Missionary Baptist Church in Hensley. Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park, Sherwood, Ark. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, a Smith Family Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.